This carbine is one of 6,686 manufactured by Sharps & Hankins for the U.S. Navy between 1862 and 1865. They were outfitted with leather covers over their barrels to protect against corrosion. Most were used heavily on various naval vessels throughout the war, and few have much of their original leather cover remaining. This example has the vast majority of the leather cover and the standard markings and features of the model.